Temple University has temporarily suspended the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter after protesters disrupted a career fair on September 26, Philly Voice reported.
A group of 12 to 15 anti-Israel demonstrators disrupted a career fair to oppose weapons manufacturers such as Lockheed Martin and Ghost Robotics, during which they attacked one student and three other outside agitators. The man was arrested and released without charge, Philly Voice reported. reported. In accordance with the University’s Student Code of Conduct, all SJP operations, including meetings and activities, are temporarily suspended.
“Freedom of speech and assembly are cornerstones of the First Amendment and of Temple University’s mission as a public university and place of learning,” said University President Richard M. Englert. statement After the confusion. “This means that Temple fosters an environment that welcomes diverse ideas, opinions, and peaceful expression. However, as the university has previously noted, freedom of expression and disruptive and harassing activity There is a line between them.”
Students and faculty from Drexel University, Temple University, and the University of Pennsylvania occupy College Green during the third day of a protest camp at the University of Pennsylvania on April 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo: MATTHEW HATCHER/AFP via Getty)
The SJP branch accused Temple and Philadelphia police of “shoving, grabbing, and assaulting” protesters as they left, with one female demonstrator being “pulled” and strangled, and another Participants claimed that their hijabs were removed and they were pushed down. It was a staircase, the Philly Voice reported. Temple public security rejected These claims are made after reviewing body camera footage.
According to a Facebook post from Temple Public Safety, police were required to use “reasonable force” to arrest the resisting demonstrators, and the department deemed the protest a “serious disturbance.” That’s what it means. (Related: Exclusive: School District Employees Sign Up for Training on ‘Justice for Palestine’)
The university says law enforcement officials have the right to remove individuals whose protests do not comply with university policy or federal, state, or local law. guidelines. The Philly Voice reports that Temple Public Safety is working with the District Attorney’s Office regarding possible disorderly conduct charges and other similar crimes.
The guidelines state that demonstrators, whether members of the general public or part of the Temple community, are expected to ensure that educational activities are not disrupted or disrupted. University policy prohibits the use of “amplified sound” inside or outside campus buildings if it interferes with “activities related to the educational process of the University.”
Temple SJP held “Philly: Emergency Solidarity Rally” the day after Hamas attacked Israel in 2023. The group also encouraged anti-Israel supporters to wear keffiyehs as a way to show solidarity with Palestine.
“As always, Temple remains dedicated to promoting peace, justice, and understanding,” Englert said in a statement.
Temple University and Temple SJP did not immediately respond to requests for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.
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